Rabadan - Carnival in Bellinzona

Rabadan - 162° edition

The carnival, following the Roman tradition, begins on Thursday with the handover of the keys to King Rabadan, officially kicking off the celebration. On Friday, the masked parade of primary and kindergarten school children from the Bellinzona area takes place. Saturday features musical performances by the lively Guggen bands from Ticino and beyond the Gotthard.

On Sunday, Bellinzona hosts the traditional "Grand Masked Parade," with 2,000 participants who bring humor, music, floats, and groups to life, embodying the pure spirit of King Rabadan’s Carnival—Ticino’s most famous ruler. Tickets for the parade can be purchased online at booking.bellinzonaevalli.ch.

The festivities also include plenty of additional entertainment, such as the contest for the best costume, tug-of-war competitions, and dozens of “tendine” (small tents) where you can eat, drink, and dance until the early hours of the morning.

Dates and Times

• Thursday, 27.02.2025 | 12:00 to 04:00
• Friday, 28.02.2025 | 11:30 to 05:00
• Saturday, 01.03.2025 | 11:00 to 05:00
• Sunday, 02.03.2025 | 13:30 to 01:00
• Monday, 03.03.2025 | 14:00 to 03:00
• Tuesday, 04.03.2025 | 11:30 to 05:00

The presale of tickets for the other days will be exclusively online through the website: www.rabadan-tickets.ch.

• Christmas Promotion until December 25: CHF 60.–
• Online presale from December 25 to February 27: CHF 70.–
• Weekly Pass at the door: CHF 80.–

To Carnival by Public Transport
Even in 2025, for Carnevale Rabadan, an enhanced round-trip public transport service will be available. The carnival entrance ticket will also serve as a valid travel pass throughout the Arcobaleno fare network on its day of validity, during specific time windows.

Special Offer: Rabadan Parade + Prestige Continental Express
Take advantage of this package combining access to the Grand Masked Parade of the Rabadan Carnival, taking place on Sunday, March 2nd at 1:30 PM, with a culinary experience aboard the charming Prestige Continental Express, stationed at the Bellinzona SBB station! Three possible options:

• Brunch followed by the parade
• Parade followed by dinner
• Brunch + parade + dinner